Jat stir: Punjab traders facing shortage of raw materials

Chandigarh: The impact of ongoing pro quota Jat stir in Haryana is being felt on Punjab's industry and traders who are facing shortage of raw materials and a halt in dispatches of finished products to other states, causing heavy financial losses.

"We are feeling the pinch of Jat reservation agitation in Punjab here. Almost all verticals of the industry have been adversely impacted," United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association, President Charanjit Singh Vishivkarma told reporters.

The Jat job reservation agitation has crippled the road and rail network through Haryana and destined to neighbouring states, including Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Chandigarh.

Travel in the region remained disrupted with authorities cancelling bus and train services on most routes in the wake of continuing blockade at several places.

Punjab's prominent industry verticals like cycle and cycle parts, ready made garments, iron and steel, auto parts are hit due to scarcity of raw material and disruptions in supply of finished products to buyers in other states.